Tag: Clemson linebackers

Trotter named ACC Linebacker of the Week

Despite Saturday’s loss to the Gamecocks, Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. came away with ACC Linebacker of the Week honors, which was announced on Monday.

Via Clemson Athletic Communications:

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week for his performance in Clemson’s game against South Carolina on Saturday. Trotter’s selection is Clemson’s 12th weekly accolade of the season and gives the Tigers a total of 565 ACC weekly honors since 1968.

The honor is Trotter’s second of the season, joining his selection following a superlative performance against Florida State in October. He joins B.J. Goodson (2015), Dorian O’Daniel (2017) and James Skalski (2021) as the only Clemson players in the last 10 years to earn multiple ACC Linebacker of the Week awards in a single season.

Last week, Trotter recorded eight tackles (plus a ninth per coaches’ film review), 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a pass breakup and an interception he returned 35 yards for a touchdown. The defensive touchdown was Clemson’s first of the 2022 season and first since Mario Goodrich’s pick-six in the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl. He also helped Clemson limit South Carolina to 1.7 yards per carry in the contest.

Trotter has blossomed down the stretch of his sophomore campaign. The first-year starter and All-ACC candidate leads Clemson with 74 tackles as credited by the coaching staff and has produced 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble this season. After producing 18 tackles (3.0 for loss) in Clemson’s first six games, the coaches have credited Trotter with 56 stops (6.0 for loss), including four games with nine or more tackles, in Clemson’s six most recent contests.

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Simpson on switching positions: ‘It felt very natural’

Linebacker Trenton Simpson was back in action last week following missing the Louisville game due to an ankle injury. The junior was back in the Sam position this week, which he hasn’t played in since his sophomore season. Simpson had been playing …

Linebacker Trenton Simpson was back in action last week following missing the Louisville game due to an ankle injury. The junior was back in the Sam position this week, which he hasn’t played in since his sophomore season.

Simpson had been playing the Will position this season prior to the Miami game, but after seeing what both linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter did on the field against Louisville, defensive coordinator Wesley Goodwin made the switch against Miami.

Simpson spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of this week’s rivalry game against South Carolin and shared that it felt very natural to be playing the Sam position again. After playing both his freshman and sophomore seasons at the position, he felt he had the confidence to make the adjustment at this point in the season.

“It felt very natural,” he said. “I had a fun time being able to go out there and fly around, but it definitely felt super natural and I felt like I was doing what I did in my freshman and sophomore year all over again.”

The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder shared that the position switch started as an idea he mentioned to his coaches, but now to him, it feels right to stay in the Sam position for the remainder of the season.

“It all started off as like a small idea, but I talked to my coaches about it and we just wanted to take a chance and see how I look,” he said. “I definitely enjoyed it and I know I will continue to play that sometime in my career. I think Sam is my move right now so far.”

The North Carolina native shared that ultimately he wants to play where can best support the team. In the win over Miami, Simpson had a career-high-tying two sacks and a forced fumble. With such a natural performance, it seems he felt very confident fulfilling that role for the Clemson defense.

“Sam is a natural position and that’s what I did my first two years,” he said. “I just trust in my coaches, and wherever they feel I can help the team win, I went out there and did that and did my best at it.”

Having Simpson back at the Sam position displays that the Clemson linebacker corps is dynamic. He shared that the defense is becoming more balanced, and that’s helping the team perform better each week.

“It was definitely an adjustment,” he said. “It wasn’t too much really hard, I think just putting more time and preparation into it and continue to get better. Just having players who can fill that role, we all have a balanced defense that can go out there and continue to perform. And what we’re doing on defense, I think it will work it.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Carter’s versatility came at perfect time for linebacker room

Linebacker Barrett Carter is taking full advantage of every opportunity thrown his way. The ACC linebacker of the week had a breakout performance in Clemson’s latest win over Louisville last weekend, recording an impressive eight tackles (3.5 for …

Linebacker Barrett Carter is taking full advantage of every opportunity thrown his way.

The ACC linebacker of the week had a breakout performance in Clemson’s latest win over Louisville last weekend, recording an impressive eight tackles (3.5 for loss), two sacks, an interception and a pass breakup at a time when the Tigers’ linebacker room needed it most.

With starting weakside linebacker Trenton Simpson ruled out with an ankle injury prior to the highly anticipated matchup, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wes Goodwin had a big decision to make: Either outsource a safety or move another linebacker to step in for Simpson.

There seemed to be no real solution to the issue. Luckily for Goodwin, Carter had some prior experience playing in the box back in high school and made the seamless transition from Sam to Will in just a matter of days.

“It’s truly a blessing,” Goodwin said. “Just moving guys around in my room versus having to take a safety to put in that role. Thankfully at Clemson, we have some depth and are able to move guys around. He played really well.”

For the sophomore, the transition came naturally. Already having experience at the Will linebacker position as well as having something to prove after the heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame just one week prior seemed to serve Carter well, resulting in a career night.

“I think I’m pretty natural in there,” Carter said. “I played that in high school some, so moving in there, it wasn’t any big adjustment.”

Goodwin echoed his player’s sentiments, praising Carter on his ability to adapt and the vast amount of versatility that he brings to this year’s linebacker room.

“He’s unbelievably natural at all three linebacker spots — Sam, Mike and Will,” the defensive coordinator said. “Just the intelligence. He has great vision and great feel for the game. He understands backfield sets, he understands run fits. He understands a lot of things that just allow him to play extremely fast and physical.”

As for Carter, the linebacker plans to continue turning heads this season, creating his own opportunities no matter the position he is asked to play.

“You make your own opportunities,” Carter said. “Wherever you are on the field, as long as you’re running to the ball, you’ll create the opportunities that you want. I don’t think any position gives you more or less opportunity. I just try to hustle to the ball.”

Carter and the rest of Clemson’s defense have another opportunity to make a big statement this weekend when they hit the field for their last ACC matchup of the regular season against Miami. Kickoff against the Hurricanes is set for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Orhorhoro on linebackers’ performance: ‘It means I’m doing something right’

Clemson defender Ruke Orhorhoro is doing all he can to help his team produce defensive success, even if it’s at the expense of his own stats. In the Tigers’ latest ACC win over Louisville, Wes Goodwin’s defense saw much-needed success after what was …

Clemson defender Ruke Orhorhoro is doing all he can to help his team produce defensive success, even if it’s at the expense of his own stats.

In the Tigers’ latest ACC win over Louisville, Wes Goodwin’s defense saw much-needed success after what was a disappointingly lackluster performance the week prior at Notre Dame.

With a pair of big performances for both Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter out of the linebacker corps, Orhorhoro was more than happy to play a small part up front in their second-level success despite only picking up two tackles and a half tackle for loss of his own in the 31-16 win.

“It means I’m doing something right,” Orhorhoro said. “If I take up two, that means somebody’s coming free. I’ll take up two all day if my teammates get to eat behind me and just do what’s best for the team. It gives me a little satisfaction. When the play is there, I make it, but other than that, my linebackers do a great job with just flowing behind us, playing off of us and making us right.”

From the get-go, the defensive tackle knew it was going to be a big game for not just the linebacker pair, but the entire defense.

“Barrett hit a guy, I don’t know what play it was, but he just hit him, and it was loud, so I was like, ‘All right, this is going to be one of those games,’ and it was just hard hits across the board,” the veteran said. “JP [Jalyn Phillips] was hitting people left and right, Trotter hit the quarterback really hard, and I knew they were going to put together a good game. Barrett went crazy; after I saw him hurdle that guy, I didn’t even know what to say.”

Now with another ACC challenge in Miami on the horizon, Orhorhoro wants to keep the same mindset that led to their defensive success over the Cardinals — a mindset centered around playing free and having fun.

“It was fun just shifting the mindset,” Orhorhoro said. “We wanted to go out there and dominate and just play to the best of our abilities. We set a goal as a defense just to start playing free and not worrying about anything, but just let everything fall where it falls and that’s what we did. We went out there and played free, everybody played free, and it turned out pretty good, so hope we’re going to keep doing that these next couple of games.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Trotter on how position change has made him a more vocal leader

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has become a more vocal leader this season playing at Mike linebacker. Saturday, the sophomore played one of his best games as a Tiger when he led the team with 12 total tackles, seven solo tackles and 0.5 …

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has become a more vocal leader this season playing at Mike linebacker. Saturday, the sophomore played one of his best games as a Tiger when he led the team with 12 total tackles, seven solo tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.

The linebacker spoke to the media on Monday and detailed the adjustment moving into the Mike position.

“It’s been a little bit of an adjustment as far as making the calls, and you have to talk a little bit more at the Mike position and really quarterback the defense, but overall like last year I still tried to work on that at the Will position, just talking and helping out the Mike linebacker when I had the opportunity,” he said. “I feel like that transitioned well going into this year and helped me being able to do that, it being a smooth transition.”

Trotter regards himself as a guy who usually plays within himself, and even going back to high school, he didn’t necessarily consider himself as someone who was a vocal leader, but he realizes that being a vocal leader is necessary for him at this point. The New Jersey native emphasized that college football is all about being able to adapt to the new opportunities and changes that arise and that’s exactly what he’s trying to do.

“I feel like it definitely is a change, because in high school I was a more lead-by-example type of guy,” he said. “I didn’t do too much talking, but coming into college football, I know you have to change up your style sometimes, you have to learn how to do something new. Being a leader at this level, you have to be able to talk to your teammates. You have to be vocal. Moving me into that Mike position definitely has helped with that transition and allowed me to be a more vocal leader.”

Trotter on the defense: ‘You can see a change in mindset coming into this game’

After an uncharacteristic performance by the Clemson defense in the loss to Notre Dame just one week ago, a lot had to be reevaluated in terms of the physicality and motivation of defensive coordinator Wesley Goodwin’s unit. Throughout the season …

After an uncharacteristic performance by the Clemson defense in the loss to Notre Dame just one week ago, a lot had to be reevaluated in terms of the physicality and motivation of defensive coordinator Wesley Goodwin’s unit.

Throughout the season the defense has been hit by the injury bug and week after week, it seems that a different player is sidelined yet again. Prior to the game, it was announced junior linebacker Trenton Simpson would be out with an undisclosed injury.

Coming into the game, the question remained as to how the other linebackers and the defense as a whole would perform despite the absence of some key starters.

However, players like sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. stepped up in a big way. Trotter spoke to the media after the 31-16 win over Louisville and explained that the performance against the Cardinals was a direct reflection of the energy the team brought to practice all week.

“I definitely saw it throughout the week,” he said. “The leaders and older guys of the defense and the offense were stepping up in practice. We had great energy and definitely you can see a change of mindset coming into this game.”

The difference in the defense’s performance over Louisville versus Notre Dame, was not only the team’s energy in the week leading up to the game, but also the simple execution of the plan put in place. Trotter emphasized that the defense was on the dot when it came to executing the game plan this week.

“Really just a great game plan by the coaches, nothing specifically, but we just executed the game plan very well this week,” he said. “I feel like it showed.”

Clemson’s first turnover on Saturday came when Trotter was able to knock the ball loose from Louisville running back Tiyon Evans’ possession. The fumble was then recovered by Clemson safety Jalyn Phillips. Trotter reflected on how it felt to have that kind of performance at this point in the season.

“It definitely feels good to have a game like that,” he said.

The linebacker also expressed the importance of coming together as a unit and assisting Barrett Carter in his transition into playing the box. With Simpson such a dynamic and agile player on the Clemson defense, it was a team effort to instill the confidence in Carter to play into his new role on the field.

“With Trenton out and Barrett coming into a new position he hasn’t played yet, we definitely try to talk him through and help him out,” Trotter said, “and I feel like he really prepared well throughout the week and it showed today.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Carter leads the way in Tigers’ explosive defensive performance

Clemson’s defense bounced back in a big way in Saturday’s 31-16 win over Louisville in Memorial Stadium and linebacker Barrett Carter was a big proponent of that success. With the Tigers coming off of an extremely underwhelming performance on the …

Clemson’s defense bounced back in a big way in Saturday’s 31-16 win over Louisville in Memorial Stadium and linebacker Barrett Carter was a big proponent of that success.

With the Tigers coming off of an extremely underwhelming performance on the road at Notre Dame last weekend, allowing 348 yards of Notre Dame offense and five touchdowns, Clemson was in need of a redemptive performance, one in which Carter more than delivered.

“That was God,” Carter said. “That was nothing but God. My teammates, they put me in a great position, the coaches made some great calls that opened it up for me and I’m glad that we got the win.”

The Georgia native exploded en route to the Tigers’ latest victory with the best night of his Clemson career, garnering eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup and one interception midway through the fourth quarter.

“I think it was,” the linebacker said regarding his career night. “I wasn’t really counting, I was just playing the game as it went on, but I’m glad I could help the team in any way that I can.”

In addition to Saturday’s game being the best of his college career, Carter became the first player to record 3.5 or more tackles for loss, 2.0 or more sacks and an interception in a game between two Power Five teams since South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram against Auburn in 2011.

“I try to be a star player in every game and today worked out in my favor, I guess,” Carter said. “I’m glad we got the win. My teammates opened everything up for me, so I’m glad that I could contribute.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Two former Clemson defenders waived

Both defenders still have an opportunity to be picked up by their respective teams’ practice squads for the upcoming 2022 season.

Two former Clemson defenders have been waived following the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday.

Safety Nolan Turner and linebacker James Skalski were both waived following their first NFL camp and preseason.

Turner, who spent six seasons with the Tigers (2016-21), signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent this past spring. In his time at Clemson, the Alabama native and 2020 All-American recorded 259 tackles, 20 pass breakups, seven interceptions for 78 yards, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.

James Skalski also spent six seasons with the Tigers and signed on with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent this spring. The three-year starter garnered 310 tackles (20.5 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble over 69 games and 38 career starts. Skalski remains the only player in Clemson history to ever play in and win five ACC Championship games in his career.

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Clemson linebackers ‘striving to be students of the game’ like Skalski and Spector

Clemson no longer has veterans James Skalski and Baylon Spector, but the next group of linebackers will try to carry on the duo’s legacy through their work on and off the field.

For the first time in a long time, Clemson fans will see a different linebacker core this upcoming season without James Skalski and Baylon Spector, but this year’s group is still trying to keep the same identity.

When Skalski and Spector left after 2021, their departures left gaping holes in the front seven, giving a handful of other players an opportunity to fill their shoes.

One of those players is redshirt junior Keith Maguire, who is one of the oldest linebackers on the roster and is competing for Skalski’s former spot at the Mike’ backer position.

Entering his fourth season with Clemson, Maguire knows it’s his time to shine without having Skalski and Spector on the field.

“When they left, you realize that you have to step up and take that lead,” Maguire said on Tuesday.

“Those two guys were obviously some of the best two linebackers you could have, so there was a level of it that you knew where your spot was. When they left, we all knew that both spots were open, and (starting) day one, everyone’s trying to compete, put their best foot forward and try to earn that spot.”

Maguire was credited with 15 tackles and a pass breakup in 2021, and was a three-star recruit out of high school.

His sentiments were shared by LaVonta Bently and Jeremiah Trotter, who are both competing with Maguire to start at middle linebacker.

Maguire said that the three of them have been splitting snaps in the middle, much like they did in the spring.

On the other hand, rising sophomore Barrett Carter figures to play significant snaps at multiple positions in 2022, including at all three linebacker positions and safety.

While Carter isn’t primarily competing for Skalski’s old position, he knows that the group has to take on the same identity that Skalski and Spector did.

“I think we’re all striving to be students of the game like they were,” Carter said. “Not only were they students of the game, but they translated it to the field, and they made the plays. I think we’re just trying to carry on that impact and that legacy that they left.”

The entire linebacker rotation remains very fluid up to this point, but head coach Dabo Swinney is confident that the Tigers have the talent to replace Skalski and Spector.

“They all can play,” Swinney said last week. “LaVonta Bentley, as a redshirt junior, that’s a bad dude right there. He’s a grown man. … But Trotter, Maguire, Bentley and Trenton Simpson, you can just throw them up in the air.”

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Dabo Swinney dishes on Trenton Simpson’s growth and ‘unlimited potential’

As Clemson began fall camp on Friday, Trenton Simpson weighed in at 240 pounds and, according to Dabo Swinney, is the “best version of himself.”

Most 2023 NFL mock drafts already have Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson pegged as a first-round draft pick, but according to head coach Dabo Swinney, Simpson isn’t done developing as a Tiger.

As Clemson began its first fall practice on Friday, Swinney and his staff were looking for players to arrive more equipped than when they were last with the team in the spring.

For Simpson, part of that growth came in the weight room, as he weighed in at an official 240 pounds, 10 pounds higher than what was listed last season.

“He’s a freak, man,” Swinney said on Friday. “It’s not the weight, it’s the composition of the weight, and that’s what it comes down to. He’s big, strong, fast, lean and smart. He’s been a great, dynamic player his first two years here.”

Simpson’s physical growth in the weight room and his development as a complete football player over the summer is an epitome of what Swinney expected from his players while they were on break.

“Trenton Simpson is the best Trenton Simpson that he’s ever been,” Swinney said. “That’s the mentality that it takes to have a great program. If the best version of you is back when you were a freshman, then something’s wrong. I don’t care if you made Freshman All-American; you got to get better. If everybody buys into that, then we will all be better. Trenton is the perfect example of that. This is the best version of himself than he’s been since a Clemson Tiger.”

As a sophomore in 2021, Simpson was credited with 65 total tackles (12.5 for loss), six sacks and two pass breakups.

As Simpson enters his junior year, Swinney believes the linebacker has “unlimited potential” and, with the self-improvement, is equipped with the right tools to wreak havoc on opposing offenses as he transitions to the weakside ‘backer spot.

“That’s good news for the Tigers, bad news for whoever we play,” Swinney said. “(Simpson) has a good combination of experience, size, strength, speed, athleticism and character.”

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